What Is The Rule For Lighting During Bad Weather?

In bad weather conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, or low visibility, proper vehicle lighting is crucial to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and related traffic regulations outline specific rules for using vehicle lights under such conditions to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

Legal Requirements and Safety Guidelines

Use of Headlights in Low Visibility Conditions:

According to Section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicles must have their headlights on when visibility is poor due to weather conditions such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. Low-beam headlights are recommended, as high beams can reflect off fog or rain and worsen visibility for both the driver and other road users.

Fog Lights:

In foggy conditions, vehicles should use fog lights if they are equipped with them. Fog lights are designed to produce a wide, low beam of light that illuminates the road immediately in front of the vehicle without reflecting off the fog. If the vehicle does not have fog lights, drivers should use low-beam headlights to improve visibility.

Use of Hazard Lights:

If visibility is severely reduced (e.g., during heavy rain or fog), drivers are allowed to use hazard lights to signal to other road users that their vehicle is moving slowly or stopped. However, hazard lights should not be used when the vehicle is in motion unless there is an extreme emergency.

Speed Limit Adjustments:

In bad weather, speed limits may be adjusted, and drivers are expected to drive at a speed that is appropriate for the road conditions. Driving too fast in fog, rain, or snow can reduce the effectiveness of headlights and increase the risk of an accident. The use of lights should be complemented by adjusting speed and ensuring the vehicle is under control.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

If a driver fails to use the appropriate lighting during poor visibility conditions, they may be fined under the Motor Vehicles Act for negligence or endangering public safety. Penalties may range from ₹500 to ₹1,000 or more, depending on the nature of the violation and the region. In some cases, a driver may also face vehicle impoundment if their failure to use lights contributes to a traffic incident.

Special Rules for Night Driving:

The headlights of a vehicle must be used from sunset to sunrise, as per the law. Drivers should ensure their headlights are functioning properly, and they must avoid driving with dipped headlights when behind another vehicle at night, as this can cause glare.

Example:

In 2021, a truck driver in Pune was fined ₹1,000 after being caught driving with high-beam headlights during dense fog. The high beams caused a significant glare that reduced visibility for other drivers, resulting in a near-miss accident. The authorities issued a warning to the driver about using low-beam headlights or fog lights during such weather conditions and stressed the importance of proper vehicle lighting to prevent accidents.